Bruxelles, 23 Apr – The news of theintroduction of the death penalty for homosexuals and adulterers in the sultanate of Brunei. The new law came into force last 3 April and had not failed to trigger reactions from humanitarian and LGBT associations, as well as the indignation of many Western states. The European Union had, for example, urged Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei, to immediately abolish capital punishment for stoning provided for by the new penal code, based on the dictates of sharia.

The sultan's response

But now the sultan has responded to the European Parliament. And it's not exactly the response Brussels was expecting. In a four-page long letter – as reported by the Guardian – the sovereign of Brunei has in fact explained that the legislation was introduced to «safeguard the sacredness of family descent and marriage». However, the sultan wanted to reassure the MEPs, highlighting that the convictions will still be few, because they are necessary «at least two men of high moral stature and faith as witnesses». Therefore "any form of circumstantial evidence" will be excluded.. The sultan defended his position by invoking «tolerance, respect and understanding» by the EU towards Brunei, that it is simply attempting to preserve its traditional values.

How it works?

According to the new penal code, per gay e adultery the death sentence is expected, to be inflicted through stoning e whippings. The maximum penalty for lesbians, on the contrary, consists of 40 beat or in 10 years in prison. The code also toughened sentences for cases of theft: for those convicted without precedents, theamputation of the right hand, while for repeat offenders the amputation of even a foot is triggered.
Vittoria Fiore
source – https://www.ilprimatonazionale.it/esteri/sultano-brunei-ue-lapidazione-gay-114611/